“I was warming up and Robbie [Stockdale] called me over and said give it another five minutes, and from then on I just couldn’t stop smiling. I was so excited.”
Bali Mumba became the youngest captain in Sunderland's history on Sunday, but it’s business as usual this week as the youngster hits the books ahead of his GCSE’s.
The 16-year-old travelled with the first team to Fulham where he was an unused substitute, with his debut coming nine days later as the Lads ended the season with a 3-0 rout of champions Wolves.
Despite a disappointing campaign, the club’s academy production line has been on full throttle with Mumba following in the footsteps of Ethan Robson, Josh Maja and many more by making his debut.
And speaking to safc.com following the game, the midfielder admitted the last few weeks have been beyond his wildest dreams.
“It’s been a brilliant season,” he explained.
“I didn’t even expect to get in the under-23s this season, so to be here now is amazing and it’s a massive bonus.”
He continued: “I have to thank Robbie for giving me the opportunity, as I didn’t expect it would come as quickly as it has.
“The last week has been great – I just think back to training for the first time at my age with the under-18s, and then the 23s, and now the first team – it’s all a blessing for me.
“That was a special moment [when John O’Shea handed me the captain’s armband], as he’s played up there with the very, very best players.
“For me to come on for him and to get the captain’s armband as well, it was amazing."